Is 14 Gauge Wire Too Small for Electric Trailer Brakes
Question:
My 2007 dual axle cargo trailer has factory installed 14-2 jacketed brake wire. I replaced all four brakes with your 10inch Nev-R-Adjust brakes with backing plate a last year. The brakes have always been extremely weak in which I couldnt give it attention until now. I know this due to having the factory installed brake controller on my 2013 Silverado set to its highest setting of ten. The brakes did work on previous trucks that I have owned. Do you feel that my trailers 14-2 wire may be too small?
asked by: Steve J
Expert Reply:
Yes, 14 gauge wire seems too small. I would go with 10 or 12 gauge. For 10 gauge you can use # 10-1-1 and for 12 gauge use # 12-1-1. These wires are sold in increments of 1 foot. So if you needed 20 feet of wire you would enter 20 in the quantity box. The 12 gauge would be the best option.
You mentioned replacing the brakes with the Nev-R-Adjust a year ago. It has probably been long enough, depending on how many miles were put on the trailer, but just to be sure even Nev-R-Adjust brakes require one initial adjustment. If you do not then they will be weak for a while but will eventually adjust themselves enough for optimum braking. I have linked a video that should help.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot
- Wiring
- Wire
- Jacketed Wire
- 2 Wire
- 10 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire Should be Used to Wire Trailer Brakes
- Shop: Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot
- Shop: Jacketed 2 Wire (Brake Wire) - 12 Gauge - per Foot
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long - RV Standard
- Q&A: Will a Dead Battery on a Breakaway Kit Cause the Vehicle to Not Be Able to Operate Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: Trailer Wiring has 3 Wires for Brakes But Magnets Only have 2 Wires
- Q&A: Instructions to Wire a Trailer for Electric Brakes
- Q&A: What is Function of Black Wire on Trailer 7-Way part # HM20048
- Shop: 12 Gauge Black Primary Wire - per foot
- Shop: etrailer E-Track Backing Plates w Hardware - Galvanized Steel - 6" Long x 6" Wide - Qty 16
- Video: etrailer E-Track Backing Plate with Hardware Review and Installation
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: electric brake wire connectors
- Search Results: bunk
- Q&A: Will 225/75-15 Tire fit on 15 X 5 Trailer Wheel
- Shop: 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector, 6' Long
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: wire
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: brake controller
- Video: Review of etrailer - Brake Controller - ETBC7